Topics: Jake Paul, Anthony Joshua, Boxing
Jake Paul has taken to social media with a cryptic comment amid speculation about a fight with Anthony Joshua happening.
Paul's last fight was back in June when he defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr via unanimous decision, following on from his victory over Mike Tyson in November 2024.
But he had been slated to return the ring this coming weekend with an exhibition against WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis in Miami, only for the bout to be cancelled when a domestic abuse civil lawsuit was filed against 'Tank'.
There was no time to find a replacement for November 14 but earlier this week Mike Coppinger of The Ring magazine reported that Paul and former two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua were "finalising a deal" for a fight on Netflix on Friday December 19.
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Coppinger then followed up by adding that a deal was done, with Eddie Hearn, Joshua's long-time promoter, said on Thursday that the encounter would be a "real fight" at heavyweight, competed under Queensberry rules and with 10-ounce gloves.
But just when it appeared as though an official fight announcement was imminent, Paul appeared to pour cold water on the reports.
Late on Thursday night, 'The Problem Child' took to X and in what appeared to be a reference to Joshua fight reports, he wrote: "Not holding my breath for 2025. Too many yes men. F1 next weekend is for sure @CelsiusOfficial."
Paul's post was then followed up by a tweet from UFC legend Chael Sonnen, who claimed that from what he has heard, the rumours are not "accurate" and there is no done deal in place for the money-spinning heavyweight bout.
He claimed: "Joshua vs Paul story as you have been told it is NOT accurate. The fight is not on."
Joshua's last venture into the squared circle was a brutal knockout loss to fellow Brit Daniel Dubois in September 2024 and after successful elbow surgery in May, Hearn has previously claimed he would return to action before 2026, with a talk of a Tyson Fury showdown still generating huge buzz.
'AJ' has previously praised Paul for being "good for boxing" and the 28-year-old has made no secret of his desire to fight him as he believes he can beat him.
"I want to fight Anthony Joshua because I know that I will f*****g beat Anthony Joshua's a**," Paul said during a podcast appearance.
"He doesn't have a chin, he has no skill and he's stiff.
"And I love you Anthony and we're friends, all this s**t, but I want to fight you."
However, in a chilling prediction, heavyweight legend Derek Chisora believes Joshua will send Paul "home in an ambulance" if they lock horns in the ring.
